Things to do at night in Strasbourg to experience the city like a local
This unique corner of France provides one of the most intriguing travel experiences in Europe. Situated along the German border, there’s a complicated history that’s seen the city and surrounding countryside change hands throughout the centuries. While the tumult surrounding Strasbourg has been catastrophic since the Middle Ages, it’s endured and remains charming and well-preserved with a city center lined with half-timbered houses, historic buildings, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site like Strasbourg Cathedral. There's a reason history enthusiasts flock to these cobblestone streets for a day trip or weekend getaway.
There’s a beguiling element to the canals and cobbled streets that boasts a charm that doesn’t run out when the sun sets. Its waterfront along the Ill River and various canals makes for lovely evening strolls, and there’s plenty of history unpack even at night. The European Quarter and the Strasbourg European Parliament are two obvious places, and their stately facades are well-lit under the night sky for nighttime sightseeing.
One thing that doesn't mix with the magic of the things to do at night in Strasbourg is carrying extra luggage. So, before you head out for an evening of fun, stop by any of the Bounce luggage storage locations in the city and lighten your load,
What to do in Strasbourg at night if you’re looking for…
A lively night out
The nightlife scene is surprisingly exciting, given the overall quaintness of Strasbourg. Instead of sweaty dance floors, you’ll find elegant cocktail bars and an intriguing beer scene. It’s a quality-over-quantity sort of place, and you’ll have your pick of truly delicious beverages whatever you’re into.
Le Rafiot
This floating bar on the River Ill turns into a nightclub as soon as passengers board at Quai des Pêcheurs. Revelers can dance and enjoy stellar views of the waterfront and other boats on its heated terrace. The house special is flammekueche (tarte flambée) but you’ll have a wide range of beverages (mojitos are oddly popular) to enjoy. You won't want to bring your bags on board as there's no place to put them, so stopping by a Bounce location in the city center is your best bet.
Visit the pinnacle of French beer
Strasbourg is one of the few French cities where beer is more popular than wine, and the Académie de la Bière is the best place in the city to explore the brews of the Alsace region. It’s an inviting beer hall with a relaxed atmosphere during the day and a bustling post-dinner crowd that fills up the former industrial space.
Pro tip: Feel free to ask your bartender about their favorite selections as they're both knowledgeable and friendly.
Go on a bar crawl downtown
It’s not quite rowdy, per se, but Strasbourg can certainly be described as ‘lively’ once the sun sets. There’s a solid bar scene throughout town, and hotspots like Jeannette et les Cycleux’s 60s-inspired vintage decor is perfect with signature cocktails and Les Berth’Om on Rue des Tonneliers is another fabulous place to sample Alsacian beers. You can easily create your own beer-themed walking tour as you pop in and out of one great bar after another.
Pro tip: Looking for the best spot to sample the famous tartes flambées? Caupona Taverne on Grand'Rue is where to go.
An evening outside
With miles of riverfront to explore and charming nooks and crannies in the historic city center, Strasbourg is perfect for an evening stroll or sunset hangout.
Take a boat tour along the Ill River
While La Rafiot is fun, it doesn’t move. If you want a true tour of Strasbourg, there are plenty of boat tours along the Ill River that pass along the Petite France Quarter, Neustadt, the Tanner’s Quarter, Grande Île, and even the Vauban Dam.
Walk around La Petite France
Strasbourg’s fascinating little southwestern corner is the most historic part of the city, with traditional Medieval architecture and cobbled streets. There’s a network of canals that gave it the nickname of “Little Venice.” It’s a quintessential part of the experience and is like walking through a historical museum. It's easy to pop over to La Petite France during the day or evening with a sunset stroll.
Pro tip: Just because you walk around Petite France during the day, doesn't mean you shouldn't also visit at night. It's a completely difference atmosphere and experience.
A refined evening
In typical French fashion, you'll have your pick of fine dining and high culture to enjoy. The Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is the main hotspot to hit during the day, but there are plenty of landmarks open during the evenings.
Stroll through the Place du Château after dinner
This handsome central plaza is worth milling about during the summer months as the people-watching couldn’t be better and the sunset will color the sandstone buildings in a lovely pinkish hue.
Pro tip: You’ll also catch views of Strasbourg Cathedral’s light show if you stop by after dark.
Enjoy a night at the theater
The Théâtre Alsacien de Strasbourg dates back to the 18th century and is a showcase for performing arts in the Alsatian dialect. Depending on the type of performance (the language of opera might not make a difference to English-speaking audience members), you’ll get to hear truly unique performances in an opulent setting. Save yourself the trouble of navigating the cloakroom by stopping at a Bounce location to drop the bags off.
Admire Strasbourg Cathedral
This must-visit landmark’s facade features gorgeous Rayonnant Gothic architecture (with a hint of Romanesque) and is lit up during the evenings to magical effect. You’ll especially love the eye-catching rose-colored tinted windows. Stopping by the cathedral to admire its beauty under the night sky is a lovely addition to any evening stroll.
Pro tip: If you're visiting during the holidays, you’re in for a treat as the square hosts a world-famous Christmas market.
If you’re visiting Strasbourg, you won’t want to spend even one night loafing around your hotel room. Whether you want to have a few drinks or experience Strasbourg's elegant side, there’s plenty to do. So don't let your bags get in the way, stop by a Bounce luggage storage spot to free yourself up for a night out in this fascinating city.